Lived Experience: Frank Baker

Read Frank’s Story

When I turned 61, I finally realized I couldn’t keep it a secret anymore. I heard a program on the radio about sexual assault and I knew that I needed help. I reached out to a national organization www.1in6.org on chat and they referred me to a therapist and support group for male survivors of childhood sexual abuse.

I had never told anyone except for Bertie what happened to me because I didn’t think anyone would believe me. I was 13 when abuse first started, one of my favorite teachers molested me. I thought it was my fault. I felt so ashamed. In school, I was always in the office for being really angry, throwing chairs. By 18, I was using alcohol regularly, it was my coping mechanism.

As a husband and father, I had a hard time controlling my emotions. I was often angry and would have angry outbursts. I thought I was the cause. I felt it was weak or “not man enough” to ask for help.